Robert Norman Davies

1935 - 2025

Sarasota - September 19, 1935 - June 7, 2025

Robert Norman Davies (Bob), 89, of Sarasota, FL, formerly of Indianapolis, passed away on June 7, 2025.

Born in Gary, Indiana to John Wycoff Davies and Edith Norma Davies, Bob's early life was shaped by a family history of resilience, perseverance, and public service, which Robert carried into every chapter of his own life.

Bob was a graduate of DePauw University where he received a Rector Scholarship. He was a member of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. While at DePauw he met his future wife, Mary Ellen "Megs" Guyer. They later married in 1957, six days after graduation. Bob continued his education at Duke University Law School where he earned a full scholarship and graduated first in his class.

After receiving job offers in multiple cities, Bob began his legal career at Baker & Daniels in Indianapolis, knowing it was the perfect place to raise a family. He went on to become a partner before co-founding his own firm, Davies and Leagre. Bob eventually left his firm to become Director of Corporate Finance at SerVaas Inc., where he managed international ventures and complex legal matters. In 1993 he partnered with his son-in-law, Jay Hicks, to co-found Prime Care, LLC, an early leader in the assisted living industry.

Bob's career was distinguished by his intellect, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to public service. He advised governors, drafted legislation, chaired the Indiana State Board of Corrections, and was appointed by President Nixon to serve on the Cost-of-Living Council, to name just a few.

Bob had a remarkable ability to see the good in all things. He mentored younger generations, uplifted those less fortunate, and lived each day with curiosity and joy. He was passionate about travel, learning, cooking, story telling, and gathering others around a table. His warmth, sense of humor, and genuine interest in others created a legacy of connection and kindness.

Bob's greatest joy in life was his family. He and Megs were married 49 years until her passing in 2006. He later met Gail Petrykanyn while having dinner at a friend's home. They connected over their shared love for many things such as travel, cooking, and golf. Bob and Gail married in 2009 and were together until Gail's passing in November 2021. Bob showed us all what it means to live generously - with heart, with humility, and a deep devotion to the people we love.

He was preceded in death by his wives, Mary Ellen Guyer Davies and Gail Petrykanyan Davies, and by his son, Brian Guyer Davies. Robert is survived by daughters, Alison Hicks (Jay) and Meredith Resener Morris (Kem), and his cherished grandchildren: Colin Hicks (Alexandra), Merritt Hicks, Robert Hicks, Anne Hicks, Megan Resener Garofalo (Nick), Peter Resener, and John Resener.

Donations in his memory can be made to the Robert N. Davies Scholarship Fund at Duke Law (a scholarship he started that provides full scholarship to a few students that demonstrate financial need and achieved high academic success) online at Gifts to Duke Law (Gifts.Duke.Edu/Law), with Robert N. Davies noted in the "In Memory" section.

Join us for a celebration of life, Sunday, July 13th, 1:00PM, at Woodstock Club, 1301 West 38th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46208.